So interviews coming up, but it's still hot where I am. I know traditionally women were expected to wear pantyhose under skirts in business settings, but does this still have a lot of value today? I have no problem wear tights in the winter or the occasional pair of black hose with a nice outfit (also during cold weather) but wrangling myself into a pair of hose when it is 85 degrees seems stupid.

What do you ladies think: It is okay to not wear hose on an interview or would I look unprofessional?

(whatever you answers I vote that we start a movement of "ho's w/ no hose"!!)

Wed. Sep 12, 12:10am

I've always worn pant suits to an interview, so it's hard to say. Here's what I would do, though, if i were to wear a skirt:

If the business followed a business-formal dress code, I would wear a skirt suit with pantyhose and closed-toe shoes (pumps, etc.), no matter what the weather.

If the business followed a business-casual dress code, I would wear a skirt suit (skirt and matching jacket), but I would skip the pantyhose, and potentially wear dressy sandals or open-toed shoes, if it is hot out that day. If it is cool, I'd wear what I said above.

I have worked in both business formal and business casual environments, and the thing that people are looking at is the overall picture - wear a suit. Doesn't much matter if it's pants or a skirt, but be sure that it's a suit, for the interview. And the accessories (shoes, pantyhose, purse/bag, jewelry) should compliment, but not distract from, the rest of the outfit. Keep it simple, and classy. The interviewers should be focusing on what you're saying and how you're carrying yourself, and not on your accessories.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 9:41 AM

I think even if it is a business casual work environment, you should still wear hose and closed toe shoes. Like the above poster, though, I generally wear pant suits. To me, they're more professional.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 1:12 PM

how about thigh highs?

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 6:34 PM

I also agree on the pant suit.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 7:18 PM

Definitely wear pantyhose to the interview- it's the only chance for a good first impression.

I however, don't see the need for a pant suit. I don't find them more professional, and I've seen the odd old school HR person who still thinks women should wear skirts more than pants.

And, I refuse to dress more like a man to get ahead. If I have to act like a man to get ahead, then "women" aren't getting ahead...

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 8:05 PM

Op here-thanks for your responses so far. I have pants, but I just prefer to wear skirts! I don't wear them instead of pants for any other reason than I'm more comfortable in them. But I guess you are all right, wearing pants would eliminate the problem!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 9:17 PM

I personally chose my career on the criterion "will never have to wear pantyhose."

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 10:09 PM

I agree with wearing a skirt - its forbidden in some companies, in Europe, to even wear pants! weid I know and I don't agree with it but its the way it is and can't change it - but I think for the interview you should be as conservative as possible - dress to please all audiences since you don't know yet what they are like. However, once you GET the job - wear what you want!!!! Yes, you may have to give up your own values - or even be too hot JUST on the interview to not offend anyone - thats how to get ahead.

It's also "forbidden" in some US financial firms for women to wear pants :(

I'd agree that for a job interview it's important to "dress the part". It's better to be overdressed than underdressed, no matter the weather.

Good luck!

Friday, September 14, 2007, 10:27 AM

I used to have to wear pantyhose at the bank I worked in. After I left the banking industry, I swore I'd never have another job that forced me to wear skirt suits and pantyhose. Nay.

Monday, September 17, 2007, 12:17 AM

In terms of the above issue(whether to wear pants or a skirt) I think it comes down to how confident you feel about your legs. I have no problem wearing pantyhose, as long as I feel confident that my legs look there best!